What You Need to Know
The Government of Mauritius has reopened the Multipurpose Recreational Centre in Pointe aux Sables, now named ‘Sant Renesans’. This community hub aims to provide educational support, social services, and training for vulnerable families. The initiative reflects the government’s commitment to social inclusion and empowerment, with operations managed by local NGOs.
Africa-Press – Mauritius. Following major refurbishment and upgrading works, the Multipurpose Recreational Centre & Learning Corner in Pointe aux Sables, owned by the Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity, and managed by the National Empowerment Foundation (NEF), was reopened, yesterday, and renamed ‘Sant Renesans’, symbolising renewal, resilience and new beginnings.
The ‘Sant Renesans’ is envisioned as a community-based hub, offering educational, learning support and training, integrated social support for vulnerable families, and community engagement for residents of Débarcadère and its vicinity in Pointe aux Sables. The initiative reflects the Government’s commitment, through NEF and its partners, to strengthening social inclusion, empowerment and proximity services at community level. The Centre will be operated by two non-governmental organisations (NGOs), namely Caritas Île Maurice and the Association des Frères Auxiliaires, after an Expression of Interest was carried out in November 2025.
The Minister of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity, Mr Ashok Kumar Subron; the Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, Mrs Marie Arianne Navarre-Marie; the Junior Minister of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity, Mr Kuvalayan Kugan Parapen; and other personalities were present at the inauguration ceremony.
During the event, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the NEF and Caritas Île Maurice and the Association des Frères Auxiliaires for the operationalisation of the Centre. A Medical Screening Scheme for the Financial Year 2025–2026 was also launched.
In his address, Minister Subron highlighted the crucial role of Government in addressing societal inequalities, underlining that the welfare of the country’s most disadvantaged remains a priority. He reflected on the long-standing measures introduced over the decades, such as free education and various social aids, which have strengthened Mauritius’ Welfare State and contributed to greater equity within the nation. Minister Subron thus reaffirmed the Government’s unwavering determination to continue these efforts despite the evolving societal landscape.
Alongside Minister Subron, Minister Navarre-Marie and Junior Minister Parapen urged the residents of Débarcadère and its surrounding areas to make judicious use of the Centre’s facilities and to take pride in maintaining the new and improved space. They expressed too their gratitude to the NGOs for their collaboration in making the reopening of the Centre possible and wished them success in their ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life for the community.
For Mrs Navarre-Marie, the reopening of the Centre was not only a reflection of the Government’s commitment to supporting all Mauritians, but also a key step in ensuring that every citizen feels integral to the country’s development. She pointed out that the Centre would provide a variety of services and opportunities for residents.
However, the Minister expressed concern over the number of children in the area who are not attending school, despite the legal requirement for education up to the age of 16. Mrs Navarre-Marie urged the community to take a more active role in guiding the younger generation towards a brighter future.
For his part, the Junior Minister took the opportunity to announce that the renovation of the Centre, which cost approximately Rs 1 million, is part of a broader initiative to improve the living conditions of the local inhabitants. Mr Parapen encouraged residents to ensure that the activities offered at the Centre align with their needs, stressing the importance of collective responsibility in maintaining and nurturing the newly renovated facility.
Mauritius has a long history of social welfare initiatives aimed at reducing inequalities and improving the quality of life for its citizens. Over the decades, the government has implemented various measures, including free education and social aid programs, to strengthen its Welfare State. The reopening of the Sant Renesans Centre is part of this ongoing commitment to support vulnerable communities and enhance social cohesion in the country. The establishment of such centers is crucial in addressing local needs and fostering community engagement.
